Who or what is your inspiration in business?

My inspiration comes from Paul Stamets’ Mycelium Running, which opened my eyes to fungi’s ability to transform waste into opportunity, and Buckminster Fuller’s story of turning personal struggle into a mission to change the world. After facing challenges in my own life, I promised myself I’d follow a similar path—using science and innovation to create solutions that make a lasting impact.

How do you stay motivated?

I stay motivated because I know this is bigger than me. This work has the potential to transform industries, tackle environmental challenges, and inspire others to think differently. I’m driven by the belief that every step I take is building something meaningful. Knowing this mission could change lives keeps me moving forward, even when the path is tough.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With $25,000, I’d unlock federal grant opportunities and efficiently produce stable carbon through pyrolysis—a key step in creating fungal-based, biodegradable supercapacitors. This funding would also help me scale my work and collaborate with visionary organizations, paving the way to turn waste into wealth and innovation into action.